Planet of the Dead Casting News

By Mark
The BBC have today published a press release confirming the names of three cast members who will be appearing in the next Doctor Who episode, Planet of the Dead. Michelle Ryan, Lee Evans and Noma Dumezweni are the three names that have been revealed and they will all star in the episode which will have an approximate running time of sixty minutes. Two new promotional images for the episode have also been released by the BBC and they can be viewed here and here. The press release about the casting can be viewed below;

The BBC has confirmed that Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans will guest star in the forthcoming Doctor Who Easter Special which began filming this week in Wales.

Michelle, best known for her roles as Zoe Slater in EastEnders, and Jaime Sommers in the recent remake of Bionic Woman, will play the mysterious Lady Christina de Souza in the special episode entitled Planet of the Dead. Christina joins the Doctor on a bus-trip which takes a very unexpected detour into danger.

"I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who and very excited to be joining David Tennant and the Doctor Who team," said Michelle, who recently guest-starred in the hit BBC Wales drama Merlin. "It is such a fantastic show and I can't wait to get started!"

One of Britain's best loved and biggest comedy stars, Lee Evans, will also be joining the cast playing a character called Malcolm, whose life becomes connected to the Doctor's under extraordinary circumstances.

Planet of the Dead is the first of four Doctor Who Specials which will air in 2009. Michelle joins David Tennant as he continues his role as The Doctor, and Noma Dumezweni who returns as Captain Erisa Magambo - last seen helping Rose and Donna save the world in Turn Left.

"Michelle is one of the most sought after young actors in the country and we are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team," said Executive Producer and writer Russell T Davies. "As always the script is being kept strictly under wraps - however we can reveal that Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor!"

Planet of the Dead, written by Russell T Davies and Gareth Roberts, is currently in production and will be screened on BBC One in Spring.

Michelle will play a character called Lady Christina de Souza, Lee will play a character called Malcom and Noma will reprise her role as Captain Erisa Magambo from U.N.I.T. Captain Magambo was last seen helping save the world alongside Donna and Rose in Turn Left and is likely to return alongside U.N.I.T. Lee Evans will be appearing on tonight's edition of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross at 10:35pm on BBC One and on the show, which was pre-recorded yesterday, he reveals that his character Malcom is a professor. Filming for Planet of the Dead began on Monday and is currently taking place. What do you think of this casting news?
 

5 comments so far.

  1. Mark 23 January 2009 at 19:21
    Personally, I think this is great news and can't wait for this episode :D I'm sure it's going to be fantastic and who knows, Michelle may still have a chance of becoming the series 5 companion like she was rumoured to be recently :)
  2. Anonymous 23 January 2009 at 19:45
    Is it me or does Michelle look so much like Gwen in that picture...?

    I absolutely can not wait til Planet of the Dead now!! Roll on Easter :)
    Great Post! :D
  3. Collin Kelley 23 January 2009 at 20:49
    Meh. Maybe Michelle Ryan will surprise me. I certainly hope so. I'm glad to see Captain Magambo back and some continuity from the last season.
  4. Bad Wolf 23 January 2009 at 21:14
    Lee Evans!
    Doctor Who!
    Brilliant !
  5. Anonymous 25 January 2009 at 21:48
    I really wanted Lee Evans to star in Doctor Who!!! I thought he'd make a great Eleventh Doctor. So excited that so many well known faces are joining Who for the specials. Hope there's more to come!

Something to say?